Apparatus for detecting magnetic disturbances



15, 1950 T. ZUSCHLAG v 2,519,034

I APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MAGNETIC DISTURBANCES Filed Oct. so, 1945 2 Sheet-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

Aug. 15,1950 T. ZUSCHLAG APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MAGNETIC ms'nmsmcas Filed Oct. 30, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v IN VEN TOR.

Patented Aug. 15, 1950' APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MAGNETIC DISTURBANCE Theodore Zuschlag, West Englewood, N. 1., aasignor, by mesne assignments, to LundbergEx- V plorations Limited, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,

a corporation of Ontario Application October 30, 1945, Serial No. 625,589

3 Claims. 1

This invention relates to apparatus for and method of detecting magnetic disturbances, and has for an object to provide an apparatus and method for detecting and locating magnetic masses including those which have only a slight effect upon the intensity of the earth's natural magnetic field. 1

Another object is to provide such an apparatus and method for detecting and locating the magnetic masses by determining their eflect upon the normal distribution of the earth's magnetic field in relation to its intensity at different coordinates spaced perpendicularly from each other.

Another object is to provide such an apparatus and method for accomplishing the last named ob- Ject while said coordinates are moving.

Another object is to-provide such an apparatus and method for detecting and locating the magnetic masses through the use of alternating current measurement technique with particular relation to amplitude and phase determinations on as an air or water craft.

Another object is to provide such an apparatus and method capable of operating independently k of diurnal variations and accurate coordinate displacement, while also providing for phase correction.

Another object is to provide such an apparatus which, while of maximum sensitivity, is rugged in construction, and is oi extreme reliability.

A further object consists in providing certain improvements in the form, construction, arrangement and material of the several parts, and in the steps of the method, whereby the above named and other objects may be eflectively attained.

Practical embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 represents a diagrammatic arrangement or layout of the apparatus or instrument; and

Fig. 2 represents a diagrammatic layout or arrangement in which two instruments similar to that shown in Fig. 1 are combined for the purpose of obtaining certain additional results.

It is known to those skilled in this art that the presence of any magnetic mass causes a change in the normal distribution of the earth's natural magnetic field with respect to the intensityoi. the field in three perpendicular coordinates spaced from each other even though the spacing is slight. The amount of the change or distortion varies along with the efi'ective strength of the magnetic mass, decreases with increase in the distance at which the mass is located, and is modified by differences in the spacing between successive coordinate points.

Advantage can be taken of the facts just stated not only for the purpose of detecting the presence of magnetic masses but also for indicating their location with respect to arbitrarily selected coordinate points either fixed or moving. Previous eflorts looking toward the production of an apparatus or instrument fitted to accomplish the last named result have brought forth several at least partially successful when operating in connection with fixed coordinate points, but it is believed that only one type of apparatus or instrument has heretofore been devised that is adaptable to the just stated form of exploration in connection with moving coordinate points. The last named instrument may be identified as a differential earth inductor which was described by H. Haalck, in Zeitschrift fiir Technische Physik, 1925-6, DP. 3774380; and later on set forth in a modified form, as a magnetic gradiometer, by Irwin Roman and Thomas C. Sermon in A. I. M. E. Geophysical Prospecting published in 1934. These two instruments were not, however, capable of taking advantage of the present alternating current measurement technique; they lacked adequate sensitivity for the purposes of the present invention; they were not adapted to accurate or efiicient exploration when mounted on a moving support; they did not provide for phase correction; they were deficient in structural features such, for instance, as the avoidance of contact potential eiiects, as well as with respect to durability and reliability; and, in general, were not suificiently developed and perfected so as to be practically useful in conducting the investigations contemplated by the present invention, especially in the light of present day conditions and requirements as to accuracy, speed, comprehensiveness and efllciency.

Referring to the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 1 of the dawings, a suitable well shielded electric motor I is provided with a tachometer 2, and itscdrive shaft 3 carries a, bevel gear 4 which meshes with another gear that is fixed on a shaft 6 which has its ends in driving connection with rotatable coils 1 and 8 that are similar in construction, area and number of turns of their windings. The shaft 6 should be of non-ferrous material and light in weight, as by making it hollow, while the coils I, 8 should be fixed thereon, as by set screws, so that their spacing from each other may be varied. Transformer primaries 9 and ID are fixed on the shaft 6 and are connected-respectively to the coils 'l and 8, preferably through the hollow shaft 6, while their stationary secondaries II and I2 are connected in series opposition by a wire l3. The arrangement just described avoids sliding contacts between the rotatable coils I, 8 and the stationary transformer secondaries H, H, which eliminates the difliculties frequently encountered in connection with sliding contact or brush devices.

The differential outputs of the said transformer secondaries are connected by wires l4, IS with a potentiometer l6 that has its slider I'I connected in series .by a wire I8 with the stator IQ of a variometer, and by a wire with the common connection l3 of the two transformer secondaries l I, I2. The rotor 2| of the variometer is connected by wire 22 with the ungrounded terminal of potentiometer l6 and by wire 23 with the ungrounded input terminal of an amplifier 24, which has its other input terminal grounded by a wire 25, as indicated at .26. One end of potentiometer I6 is also grounded at the same point by a wire 21.

The output terminals of amplifier 24 are connected by wires 28, 29 with the input of a cathode ray oscilloscope 30, which should preferably be electrically synchronized by the voltage developed across the secondary of transformer l0, l2 as measured by a sensitive voltmeter 3|, which latter has one terminal connected by wire 32 with another wire 33 that is in turn connected with one input terminal of the oscilloscope and also with the wire l5; while the other terminal of said voltmeter is connected by a wire 34 with another wire 35 that leads to the other input terminal of the oscilloscope 30 and to the wire l3. For the purpose of balancing the shunting effect of the oscilloscope 30 and the voltmeter 3|, a shunt resistance 36 is connected across the secondary of transformer 9, H.

The coil 8 is surrounded by a stationary calibration coil 31 having only a few turns of wire which is connected by wires 38 and 39 in series with an adjustable resistance 40, a battery 4|, a

milliammeter 42 and a circuit switch 43. The calibration setup just described is normally not energized, because the switch 43 is normally open as indicated in the drawing; but the closing of the said switch will cause a current to flow from the battery 4| through the calibration coil 31, the strength of which current will be shown by the milliammeter 42 and can be varied to the desired value by appropriate adjustment of the resistance 40. It may here be observed that the change in field strength effected by the current flow just named is approximately indicated by the expression dH=C I, if dH is taken as the change in the effective value of the field; I' is taken as the current in milliamperes; and C is taken as a constant which is determined by and varies with the diameter, arrangement, and number of turns of the calibrating coil 31.

Referring generally to the operation of this apparatus, it may be noted that the driving power is preferably applied by the motor I to the shaft 6 at a point located midway between the coils l and 8 in order to avoid uneven torque and torsional factors. The electromotive force induced in each rotating coil is approximately reflected by the equation volts, where d is taken as the mean diameter of each coil in centimeters; n is taken as the number of turns in each coil; 1- is taken as the number of coil rotations per second; and j is the maximum field strength at right angles to the plane of rotation measured in Gauss. To illustrate, if d=50 cm., n=2000 turns, r=25 R. P. S., and f=.2 Gauss, the result will be an E. M. F. of approximately .4 volt. If now it be assumed that the intensity of the earths magnetic field differs by 2 gammas at the locations of the two rotating coils, the differential output of which is supposedly perfectly balanced, the resultant differential E. M. F. is /1o,ooo of .4 volt or, in other words 40 microvolts.

Under present conditions of development in the art of electronics, it is feasible to amplify and indicate as small a strength as .4 microvolt by the use of portable equipment; which means that the differential earth inductor hereinabove described is capable of indicating differences in the earths magnetic field as low as .02 gamma, and, possibly, even smaller values with appropriate changes in the design of the coils, e. g. diameter, number of wire turns, and rotative speed. However, such extreme reactive sensitivity would hardly be called for in ordinary geophysical exploration due to lack of suificient uniformity in the earths normal magnetic field; although the observation 'and recording of such minute changes in strength or value is useful in operation over very uniform areas, such as bodies of water, where this very sensitive equipment would enable the detection of ships or other magnetic bodies on or below the waters surface. For geophysical purposes it is practical, and probably desirable, to reduce the sensitivity of this apparatus, e. g. by decreasing diameter, turns, or speed of rotation of the coils, so that its conspicuous and characteristic advantages accord with the conditions surrounding such operations; and it may be remarked that the equipment is not only highly suitable for geophysical observations in general but that it has particular aptitude in connection with the continuous recording on aerial exploration flights of the effects of magnetic anomalies in the ground covered by the flights.

In operation, if it is desired to use the apparatus for detecting the presence of slight variations in the normal earth magnetic field, it may be mounted vertically with the coils I and 8 about, say, from six to fifteen feet apart. The actual speed of rotation of the coils is not a matter of importance in connection with the measurements to be made, except that it should not be allowed to become so slow as to fail to maintain a sufllcient voltage input. With the coils rotating at a normal speed of say approximately fifteen revolutions per second there should appear on the screen of the oscilloscope 30 a representation of a tilted ellipse which can be changed to a straight line by suitable manipulation of the potentiometer l6 and variometer I9, 2 I. If this last named step be taken while the calibration coil 31 is disconnected from its source of energy because the switch 43 is open, the closing of the said switch will superimpose an auxiliary magnetic field of arbitrary value upon the coil 81 and this will have a tendency again to produce an elliptical figure on the oscilloscope which may be either in vertical or tilted position. The degree of distortion of. this figure on the screen is a measure of the strength of the auxiliary field established by the coil 31 and, as such, may be used to calibrate the apparatus.

Thereafter, upon reopening the switch 43 and moving the instrument over the ground area under investiglatiomthe pattern or figure or picture on the oscil oscope screen will remain in the form of a straight line as long as the value of the earth's magnetic field remain uniform. If, however, the'said magnetic field changes its value within the limits of the detection sensitivity of 'the apparatus, the straight line representation on the oscilloscope screen will instantly change, thus indicating a variation in the field caused by the presence of a magnetic mass, while the character of the change may be interpretedla's to its practie cal geophysical meaning by an operator skilled in this art. In this connection, it may be mentioned that the oscilloscope couldjbe replaced'by a continuous recording device such, for instance, as Brush recording galvanometer, whereby a per"- manent record would be made of the magnetic changes in the earthfs field encountered during a trip or trips over the ground area being explored.

Referring now to the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, it is pointed out that this equipment is of especial value when it is desired not only to detect .the presence, but also to receive indications as to the approximate location, of a magnetic mass or anomaly. This apparatus, in general, represents two instruments similar to that shown in Fig. 1, which are arranged at right angles to each other in a horizontal plane and with one of the drive shafts oriented in the direction of movement of the apparatus over the area under investigation.

In this form of the apparatus, the motor is denoted by 44 and its tachometer by 45. Bevel gears 46 and 41 enable the motor to drive a shaft 48 which corresponds substantially with shaft 5 of the form shown in Fig. 1 and has its extremities connected to coils 48 and 58 for rotating them. Primaries 5|, 52 of transformers are fixed on the shaft 48 for rotation therewith, and are connected respectively to the coils 48 and 58, preferably through the hollow shaft 48, while their stationary secondaries 53, 54 are connected in 55, 51 with a potentiometer 58 which has its slider 58 connected in series with the stator 58 of a variometer and, by wire 8|, with the common connection of the transformer secondaries 53, 54. The rotor 62 of the variometer is connected through wires 63, 64 with one terminal of the potentiometer 58, and by a wire 85 with one input terminal of an amplifier 88 which has its other input terminal connected by wire 51 with the other terminal of potentiometer 58. The output terminals of amplifier 88 are connected by wire 68 and grounded wire 88 with the input terminals of a cathode ray oscilloscope 18.

A calibration coil surrounds the rotating coil 58 and is connected by wires 12, 13 in series with an adjustable resistance I4, a battery I5, a milliammeter l8, and a single pole double throw circuit switch 11.

'18, It with a drive shaft 88 that serves to rotate a coil II; and shaft 48 is also connected by bevel gears 82, 88 with another shaft 84 which is in driving connection with a coil for rotating the same. This arrangement causes the coils 8| and 85 to be, rotated in the same direction. Rotating primaries 88, 81 of transformers are mounted on shafts 88 and 84 respectively and are connected to coils 8| and 85, preferably through hollow shafts 88, 84.

The fixed secondaries 88, 88 of said transformers are connected in series opposition by a wire 88, and have their differential outputs connected by wires 8|, 82 with another potentiometer 88, the slider 84 of which is connected in series with the stator of a variometer and by wire 88 with one input terminal of another amplifier 81, the other input terminal of which is connected by a wire 88 with a terminal of the potentiometer 83,..e;

The rotor 98 of the variometer is connected to the wire 82 and also, by a wire I88, with the common connection 88 of the transformer secondaries 88, 88;, while the output terminals of the amplifier 91 are connected by wire IM and grounded wire I82 with the input of the oscilloscope 18. Another calibration coil I83 surrounds the rotating coil 85 and is connected by wires I84 and I85 in series with the adjustable resistance 14. and the switch 11.

Adjustable resistances I88 and I81, which have functions similar to the function of resistance 35 in the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 1, are connected respectively between wires 51, iii and 82, I88; and a sensitive voltmeter I88, similar in purpose to the meter 3| in the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 1, is connected by wires I88 and 8 to the transformer secondary 88 and to the wires 88, 8|.

From the foregoing description it will be clear that the horizontal plates of the oscilloscope 18 can be energized by the output of amplifier 88, while the vertical plates are energized by the output of amplifier 81. As the switch 11 is of the single pole double throw type, it can be used for the purpose of energizing-either the calibration coil I I or the calibration coil I83.

The principle and mode of operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 is like that described in connection with the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, except, in the case of Fig. 2, the output of a pair of amplifiers may be shown as a combination indication on the screen of the oscilloscope 18. If it be assumed that the output of the portion of the equipment embodying the rotary coils 48, 58 and the calibration coil II is not perfectly balanced, while the output of the portion involving the rotary coils 8|, 85 and the calibration coil I83 is perfectly balanced, .i. e. is substantially zero, the picture or pattern reflected by the oscilloscope will be a straight horizontal line. If, however, the output of either of said portions changes, the line on the oscilloscope screen may distort into an ellipse or assume a tilted angle, or take the shape of a tilted ellipse. The said distortion of the figure or pattern on the screen will be a function of the location of the magnetic mass or anomaly with respect to the position of the four rotating coils 48, 58, 8|, 85. It should be added that the picture on the screen may be simplified by properly balancing the portion of the apparatus embodying the rotary coils 48, 58 and the calibration coil II as well as the portion embodying the rotary coils 8|, 85 and the calibration coil I83; in which case the first oscilloscope screen pattern or figure will be merely a point which becomes distorted into a line or into an ellipse as previously described in the case where the first picture on the screen is a horizontal line. It will be clear that the interpretation by the operator of the oscilloscope screen patterns or figures .is simpler when starting with a point than when starting with a line.

Mention should be made of the fact that it is not required, in the use of this form of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2, to record the output of both amplifiers as a combination indication on the oscilloscope screen; because it is quite possible to use independent continuous recording devices such, for instance, as a Brush direct inking oscillograph, in connection with each amplifier and thereby provide separate records obtained by the two portions of the apparatus which affect the two amplifiers.

In operation, the spacing of the rotating coils in the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 2 can ordinarily be greater than the spacing permissible in the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 1 chiefly because the form shown in Fig. 2 is arranged for horizontal positioning while that shown in Fig. 1 is arranged for vertical positioning. As in the case of the rotary coils of Fig. l, the spacing of the rotary coils of Fig. 2 may be varied, and a practical spacing of the latter may be instanced as ten to twenty feet. Slight changes in the plane of rotation of the coils do not seriously affect the operation of either form of apparatus, and it is possible and practicable to eliminate any serious effect of greater changes by the use of suitable gyro-stabilized mountings. While separate motors have been shown in the two figures of the drawings, it will be clear that a single motor would be sufficient when using the apparatus, because either form could be connected to the said motor consecutively, or both forms of the apparatus could be connected thereto simultaneously.

It will be observed that the apparatus of Fig. 1 can be used for the investigation of one coordinate, the apparatus of Fig. 2 for the investigation of two coordinates perpendicular to each other; and that, by availing himself of both forms of apparatus, an operator can investigate three coordinates perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, as the apparatus operates; on a differential or ratio basis, the effects of diurnal variations are eliminated and errors in coordinate placement are either neutralized or'mlnimized.

In using the apparatus for geophysical exploration, it is preferable to have a common drive for the instruments 3!], 3| of Fig. 1, and 55, Ill, I08 of Fig. 2; and, if the apparatus is being transported as by airplane, it is advisable to provide instantaneously acting indicator lights, such as neon bulbs activated by. suitable vacuum tube amplifier circuits, the design and operation of which are well known to those skilled in this art. Preferred means of transporting the apparatus are, as already indicated, air and water craft, audit may be added that an airplane of the helicopter type is highly desirable, especially in connection withgeophysical prospecting, because of the adaptability of that type of plane to either that its field of utility comprises the detecting and locating of magnetic masses or anomalies on or under either land or Water including, for instance, the detection and location of deep mines which are normally fixed at a depth below the range of mine sweeping operations. In this connection one or more instruments such as shown and described herein could be enclosed in a housing, such as a watertight drum or tube, of any suitable non-magnetic construction capable of being towed on or below the surface of water and, during such towing, an observer aboard the tow boat could take note of the indications on the oscilloscope screen hereinabove set forth.

It will be understood that various changes may be resorted to in the form, construction, arrangement, and material of the apparatus, and in the steps of the method of procedure, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention; and hence I do not intend to be limited to details herein shown and described except as they may be set forth in the claims or required by disclosures of the prior art.

What I claim is;

1. Apparatus of the character described comprising, a plurality of spaced rotatable coils, means for rotating the coils in unison, transformers having their primaries connected to the coils and mounted to rotate therewith, stationary secondaries for said transformers connected in series opposition, a potentiometer, a variometer connected with the potentiometer, means for connecting the outputs of the transformer secondaries to the potentiometer and'variometer, an amplifier, means for connecting the potentiometer and the variometer to the amplifier, and means for detecting any differential in the said amplified outputs.

2. Apparatus of the character described comprising, a plurality of spaced rotatable coils, means for rotating the coils in unison, transformers having their primaries connected to the coils and mounted to rotate therewith, stationary secondaries for said transformers connected in series opposition, a potentiometer, a variometer connected with the potentiometer, mean for connecting the outputs of the transformer secondaries to the potentiometer and variometer, an amplifier, means for connecting the potentiometer and the variometer to the amplifier, and means for detectin and recording any differential in the said amplified outputs.

3. Apparatus of the character described comprising, a plurality of spaced rotatable coils, means for rotating the coils in unison, transformers having their primaries connected to the coils and mounted to rotate therewith, stationary secondaries for said transformers connected in series opposition, a potentiometer, a variometer connected with the potentiometer, means for connecting the outputs of the transformer secondaries to the potentiometer and variometer, an amplifier, means for connecting the potentiometer and the variometer to the amplifier, a calibration coil in operative relationship with one of the rotatable coils, means for energizing and deenergizing the calibration coil, means for detecting any diiferential in the said amplified outputs, and means for measuring the said differential with reference to the value of the calibration coil when energized.

THEODORE ZUSCHLAG.

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